DUSHANBE, August 20, Asia-Plus — Tajikistan defeated USA 4-3 in their first Group E game at Changwon Main Stadium on Monday, August 20. 2007.
According to fifa.com website, the Americans got off to a flying start with captain Mykell Bates heading home a Greg Garza free-kick in the ninth minute. Tajikistan were soon back in it, as Farhod Vasiyev”s powerful drive from 25 meters was deflected into the net in the 32nd minute. Then, three minutes before half-time, Fathullo Fathuloyev broke down the right channel to cross to the onrushing Samad Shohzuhurov, and the captain made no mistake to make it 2-1.
The young Americans drew level just three minutes after the break, when Garza connected with Billy Schuler”s lobbed pass across the empty net. Then it was Schuler who put the US ahead five minutes later, with a downward header from a corner by Alex Nimo.
The Tajiks did not give up however. Substitute Nouriddin Davronov made it 3-3 in the 82nd minute, and Fathuloyev scored the winner four minutes from time.
